George Hill reacts to scoring the opening points of the game on a fastbreak dunk. / Rob Goebel, USA TODAY Sports

by Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Sports

by Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers came up short in several instances Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether fan support was one of them - and whether it matters - is a question guard George Hill wanted to address following the game.

Hill voiced his frustration with the Lakers-friendly crowd following the 99-93 loss, saying the Pacers were hearing cheers after missed shots.

"It sucks. It was 70 (Lakers fans) â?? 30 (Pacers fans) out there," Hill said, according to the Indianapolis Star. "These are the same people that wants autographs after the game. We're out there in the community. We're doing our job, doing what we're supposed to do on and off the court. Something has to change. I tip my hat to this team.

"We've been trouble free. Been out in the community shaking hands, we're winning. It shouldn't feel like an away game, especially with an important (game) like this. Tonight, that's what it felt like."

Locker room venting sometimes goes too far, and that appears to be the best context for Hill's comments. But Hill's backpedaling seems a little insincere. He also told the Star that there was a gulf between the team's performance and its support, saying, "[I]t's been all season long where it's not showing and I don't think there's nothing else we can do as an organization and as players."

This is a grievance that goes beyond one game. If Hill really is bothered by Lakers fans' diaspora, well, welcome to the NBA.